Apparatus and method for detecting inhomogeneities in semi-plastic substances through ultrasound

US5062299A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Lever Brothers Company, division of Conopco, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Ray E. Davis, Jr. · Old Lyme, US
• Dana L. Duncan · Old Lyme, US
• Samir Habboosh · Norwich, US
• James R. Hall · Clinton, US
• Dennis L. Nudelman · Waterford, US
• Michael J. Westkamper · Salem, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 5, 1990
• Grant date: Nov 5, 1991
• Expiry date: Jan 5, 2010

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2291/101
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method and apparatus is reported for detecting inhomogeneities in semi-plastic substances such as toilet bars containing soap. An ultrasound probe is utilized to test the substance at an exit orifice of an extruder. Best results are obtained by utilizing a ceramic ultrasonic probe, rectangular in shape including a transducer having a concave curvature on a lower surface thereof. The probe includes a theromplastic delay material. Ultrasonic waves directed through the probe preferably have a frequency between 1 and 2.25 MHz. Wedging of the extruded substance is also useful to improve contact with the probe as it passes through the extruder exit orifice.